At the top of Pauillac, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2017 follows the tradition of characterful wines shaped by deep gravelly terroirs and an aesthetic vision of balance. As a Fifth Growth (Grand Cru Classé 1855), this vintage speaks of precision rather than excess, with a long, upright frame driven by the nobility of Cabernet Sauvignon. The aromatic profile opens on ripe black fruit, highlighted by floral nuances and the patina of oak. On the palate, density combines with carefully measured freshness, offering a caressing texture and a finish that stretches with authority. A wine for contemplation and gastronomy, crafted to age gracefully and enhance every tasting moment.

Blend and winemaking

Made predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon with a complement of Merlot, Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2017 showcases the uprightness and extended finish typical of great Pauillacs. The vines draw their vigour from deep gravel, which promotes ideal drainage and regular berry ripening. The 18-month ageing in oak barrels, with a significant share of new oak, weaves notes of cedar, blond tobacco and sweet spice without ever overpowering the fruit. Precise and respectful vinification aims for purity of expression, bright fruit and tactile finesse, preserving the vintage’s fingerprint and the estate’s singular elegance.

Tasting notes

• Colour : Deep purple with garnet highlights, bright and dense, promising concentration and definition.
• Nose : A broad bouquet of blackcurrant and blackberry wrapped in violet, then wafts of cedar, blond tobacco, gentle pepper and graphite. The whole breathes precision, with a freshness that reflects the terroir.
• Palate : Straight entry, juicy mid-palate, silky-grained tannins, perfectly woven. The structure extends with contained energy, leaving a persistent, clean and salivating finish where dark fruit melds with echoes of delicate spices.

Serving temperature and advice

Serve between 17 and 18°C in large glasses to allow the bouquet’s complexity to open up. Prior aeration, by opening the bottle or decanting for an hour, helps the aromas settle and softens youthful tannins. Store in a cellar in the dark, at a stable temperature and controlled humidity. With a cellaring potential of 20 to 30 years, this 2017 will gain harmony over time, revealing a spicier patina and an even more velvety texture.

Food pairings

• Appetisers : thin slices of bresaola, shavings of cured ham, black tapenade toasts for a restrained, savoury register.
• Starters : beef carpaccio, game terrine, perfect egg with mushrooms and a rich jus.
• Main courses : grilled rib of beef, rack of lamb roasted with thyme, slow-braised chuck, duck with warm spices.
• Cheeses : aged Comté, extra-old Mimolette, sheep's milk tomme, mature cheddar, served at room temperature.
• Desserts : rare pairings, consider a dark chocolate dessert with low sugar, favouring bitterness and tension.

Tasting occasions

Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2017 is the perfect companion:

• For a gourmet dinner where precise cooking meets the uprightness of a great Pauillac.
• During a Bordeaux vertical to appreciate the Cabernet’s noble expression on gravel soils.
• As an exceptional gift for an enthusiast seeking length, structure and emotion.

Details

• Name : Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste 2017
• Appellation : Pauillac AOC
• Type : Red wine
• Vintage : 2017
• Grape varieties : Cabernet Sauvignon (80%), Merlot (20%)
• Alcohol : approx. 13.5%
• Ageing : 18 months in oak barrels, with a large proportion of new oak
• Bottle size : 75 cl
• Cellaring : 20 to 30 years depending on storage conditions
• Serving temperature : 17–18°C